15 April 1999 Edition
Support group for Garvaghy residents launched
In response to the growing concern over the deteriorating situation in Portadown/Lurgan and in particular on the Garvaghy Road, a group of women from Newry and South Armagh have come together to form a Garvaghy Road Support Group to help highlight the plight of the Garvaghy Road Residents and to provide them with any practical support they need.
Spokesperson for the support group, Margaret Caraher, explained the reasoning behind the formation of the group:''The marching season is once again upon us and the ugly situation that has been allowed to fester at Drumcree has left the Catholic community on the Garvaghy Road as virtual hostages. Over a period of nine months, they have had no respite from the relentless intimidation, isolation and fear created by the ongoing protests over Drumcree. This is an issue that we all need to be concerning ourselves with. The worsening situation facing the nationalist residents on the Garvaghy Road is a hugh injustice. Those residents have the right to live their lives free from intimidation and fear. That any civilised society should be tolerating this situation is beyond belief''.
The first event organised by the support group took place on Saturday in Newry Town. The women gathered over 1,000 signatures on a petition calling upon the United Nations to undertake a totally independent investigation and inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the murder of Rosemary Nelson, solicitor and close friend of the Garvaghy Road Residents.
The support group has arranged a public meeting to take place on Tuesday, 20 April at 8pm in Camlough Community Centre. Members of the Garvaghy Road Residents Group will be present to address the meeting and answer any questions.
Spokesperson for the support group, Margaret Caraher, explained the reasoning behind the formation of the group:''The marching season is once again upon us and the ugly situation that has been allowed to fester at Drumcree has left the Catholic community on the Garvaghy Road as virtual hostages. Over a period of nine months, they have had no respite from the relentless intimidation, isolation and fear created by the ongoing protests over Drumcree. This is an issue that we all need to be concerning ourselves with. The worsening situation facing the nationalist residents on the Garvaghy Road is a hugh injustice. Those residents have the right to live their lives free from intimidation and fear. That any civilised society should be tolerating this situation is beyond belief''.
The first event organised by the support group took place on Saturday in Newry Town. The women gathered over 1,000 signatures on a petition calling upon the United Nations to undertake a totally independent investigation and inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the murder of Rosemary Nelson, solicitor and close friend of the Garvaghy Road Residents.
The support group has arranged a public meeting to take place on Tuesday, 20 April at 8pm in Camlough Community Centre. Members of the Garvaghy Road Residents Group will be present to address the meeting and answer any questions.